The Graffito Podcast

This week we are joined by Elizabeth Lowrey, principal, director of interior architecture at Elkus Manfredi Architects. Together, we discussed the growing demand for downtown office space, how coronavirus has impacted workplace design, and the relationship between a building’s interior and the surrounding community. Also on this episode, Elizabeth is a fan of Jon Hamm, Drew is a fan of Jon Hamm, and Jesse asks, “Who’s Jon Hamm?”

Don't forget to send along questions to [email protected] or tweet @graffitopodcast. Thanks for listening!

Host: Drew Katz

Janelle Nanos, reporter for the Boston Globe, writes about retail, restaurants, and consumer culture. Which, by the way, are things we care a lot about at Graffito. During our conversation we talked about a local company using a restaurant for office space, why people are rethinking their careers post-pandemic, a new adult playground in Natick called Level99, and the recent consumption boom. And, we peppered Janelle with questions to figure out what it’s like working for the Globe. Also on this episode, Jesse likes the episode’s lead, Drew needs to work on his nut graphs, and Janelle nails the kicker. All of this and more on this week’s episode of The Graffito Podcast!

Fresh off her first MBTA ride since last March, C.A. Webb, President of the Kendall Square Association, joins us on this week’s episode of The Graffito Podcast. We covered a lot of territory, discussing topics like Cambridge’s reduced permitting and licensing fees, the Life Sciences real estate boom in Boston and beyond (looking at you Middlesex, New Jersey), and what makes Kendall Square so unique. Also on this episode, Drew can’t read, Jesse loses his train of thought, and C.A. calls Drew a capitalist. All of this and more on this week’s episode!

Don't forget to send along questions to [email protected] or tweet @graffitopodcast. Thanks for listening!

Host: Drew Katz

At the beginning of Season Two of The Graffito Podcast, we promised you conversations with political activists, government officials, and entrepreneurs. On this week’s episode, we’re delivering all three qualifications with one special guest. Michelle Wu, City Council Member and Candidate for Mayor of Boston, interrupted her busy schedule to join Drew and Jesse to discuss what she’s learning while on the campaign trail, why she has a special connection to the restaurant industry, and how she hopes to transform the Boston Planning and Development Agency (BPDA). Also on this episode, Drew’s disappointed there wasn’t a campaign bus, Jesse questions the plural form of “Matrix,” and Michelle questions the plural form of “Focus.” All of this and so much more on this week’s episode! 

Don't forget to send along questions to [email protected] or tweet @graffitopodcast. Thanks for listening! 

Host: Drew Katz

Nia Grace, owner of Darryl’s Corner Bar & Kitchen and founding member of the Boston Black Hospitality Coalition, joins Drew and Jesse in The Graffito Podcast studio. She tells us about her upcoming venture, The Underground Café + Lounge, what it was like purchasing a legendary Boston restaurant, and how she’s fighting to make a difference for the few black owned bars and restaurants in our city. After listening, you’ll know why it was no surprise to us that Nia was recently included Boston Magazine’s “The 100 Most Influential Bostonians.” Also on this episode, Nia sings Coldplay, Drew fails his own pop quiz, and Jesse conducts some not-so-risky business.

Don't forget to send along questions to [email protected] or tweet @graffitopodcast. Thanks for listening!

Host: Drew Katz

Chef, Restaurateur, and (two-time) James Beard Award winner, Jody Adams, joins us this week to talk about her advocacy work with Massachusetts Restaurant United(MRU), working in what has historically been a male dominated industry, the importance of mentors, and her various life mantras. Also on this episode, we hear about Julia Child’s role in Jody's career, Drew reveals the amount of weight he’s gained during the pandemic, and Jesse makes an inappropriate potato joke.

Don't forget to send along questions to [email protected] or tweet @graffitopodcast. Thanks for listening!

Host: Drew Katz

A lot has changed in the Corporate Catering world since COVID-19 first struck. No one knows that better than Christine Marcus, CEO & Co-Founder of Alchemista, who experienced a total loss of customers, with the exception of one unique Cambridge firm called Moderna. Heard of them? In this episode of The Graffito Podcast, Drew and Jesse discuss with Christine how the office lunch culture has changed, and where it’s heading. And, we learn how a discovery Christine made before the pandemic started saved her business and perhaps set her up for a more prosperous and exciting future. Also on this episode, Jesse struggles with his Chevy Bolt app, and Drew shares his recipe for homemade fruit rollups.

To learn even more, check out these recent articles:

Don't forget to send along questions to [email protected] or tweet @graffitopodcast. Thanks for listening!

Host: Drew Katz

On this week's episode, Drew and Jesse are joined by Liza Shirazi, owner of Revival Café + Kitchen, which has locations in Back Bay, Davis Square and Alewife. Together, they discuss a variety of topics including the overwhelming demand for restaurant workers, the newly offered and often misunderstood Employee Retention Tax Credit (which if you own a business with employees, need to know about), and Liza's partnership with the colorful Chef Nookie. Also on this episode, Jesse does math and Drew warns us that he will lie to your children. All of this and more on this episode of The Graffito Podcast!

Don't forget to send along questions to [email protected] or tweet @graffitopodcast. Thanks for listening!

Host: Drew Katz

Rachel Miller Munzer (Mamaleh's, State Park, Vincent's Corner Grocery) joins Drew and Jesse to discuss the Big Dipper Hospitality Group’s partnership and how they turned to a new online platform to fundraise for their latest venture in Brookline. Also on this episode, Rachel plays with pens while recording, Drew confuses "donations" for "contributions," and the Yiddish term for matchmaker eludes Jesse.

After listening, check out these links:

Don't forget to send along questions to [email protected] or tweet @graffitopodcast. Thanks for listening!

Host: Drew Katz

For the final episode of the season, Drew and Jesse get together to do some reflecting. They discuss the status of the podcast and share a few of their favorite moments from the first episodes, which includes a nice summary of what we've learned about #PodcastDrew. Also on this episode, Jesse forgets to mute his computer (again) and Drew questions Jesse’s pronunciation of the word “Already.” 

Thanks to everyone that's listened to The Graffito Podcast over the last few months! We appreciate all of the kind words and encouragement, and we can't wait to come back with more interviews and commentary. As always, don't forget to send questions to [email protected] or tweet @graffitopodcast. Thanks for listening!